Skip navigation

Model Makers, Metal & Plastic

Also called: Model Maker, Machinist, Tool and Die Maker, Tool Maker

What they do:
Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, milling and engraving machines, and jig borers to make working models of metal or plastic objects. Includes template makers.
On the job, you would:
  • Study blueprints, drawings, and sketches to determine material dimensions, required equipment, and operations sequences.
  • Set up and operate machines such as lathes, drill presses, punch presses, or bandsaws to fabricate prototypes or models.
  • Inspect and test products to verify conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments or circuit testers.

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology
  • mechanical
  • design
Manufactured or Agricultural Goods
  • manufacture and distribution of products
Math and Science
  • arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics

Skills

Basic Skills
  • keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
  • thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
Problem Solving
  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Abilities

Hand and Finger Use
  • keep your arm or hand steady
  • hold or move items with your hands
Controlled Movement
  • quickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat
  • use your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include
practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Dependability
  • Attention to Detail
  • Adaptability/Flexibility
  • Independence
  • Self Control
  • Persistence

Technology

Examples of the technology used in this career will be available soon.

Education

Education: (rated 3 of 5)
high school diploma or
some college
usually needed

Get started on your career:

Find Training Registered Apprenticeship

Job Outlook

Below Average Outlook
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
Salary
$44,850
per year, on average
Check out my state Local Salary Info Find Jobs

Explore More

See more details at O*NET OnLine about model makers, metal and plastic.